Chapter 2 - The Ulbeth Alliance
The Ulbeth Alliance was a nation consisting of four city-states that had fought over the hegemony of the coast of the West prior to unification. The quartet constantly waffled between allies and enemies, and battle raged. However, as trade and communication extended beyond the Far West, leaders worried about growing foreign pressure.
“Won’t other nations overtake us if we keep fighting like this?”
“Still, it’ll be tough to join forces now.”
“No…it might be easier than we think.”
Around the same time, solidarity among the cities’ people was curiously on the rise. Foreign culture was strange and incomprehensible, but the citizens of all four city-states shared regional commonalities. Because of this, they sympathized more with familiar rivals than unknown outsiders. Of course, some believed their shared history of bloodshed meant cooperation was out of the question. A neighboring conqueror was better than a foreign one, though.
As public sentiment and politics mixed, the four cities came together to form a kind of allied nation rarely seen on the continent.
“A coalition of city-states is quite ambitious.” Ninym skimmed over documents inside a carriage headed for the Ulbeth Alliance. “Holy Elite Agata is their international spokesman, but the government is run by city representatives who share equal authority… It’s like having several kings in one country, yet they make it work.” She glanced at the man in front of her. “Wouldn’t you agree, Wein?”
Her master was presently staring out the window.
“Yeah. A parliamentary system isn’t uncommon, but not many city-states push the limits of an alliance and agree to equal representation.” Judging by his tone, Wein was impressed with Ulbeth. “Trailblazing means fewer examples to work from, so it’s a real challenge. Neighboring countries aren’t a great reference when your own method breaks the mold. Most are monarchies, so Natra stole a page right out of the handbook.”
A government was a nation’s template, and it was easier to copycat when everyone around you had similar standards. A country could last one hundred years or more, far beyond the human lifetime. Therefore, creating laws and systems that were unconventional or only benefited you were impractical. It was best to be mindful of neighboring powers.
As Wein stated, the Ulbeth Alliance’s unique approach came with difficulties. The union was undoubtedly fumbling, but their tenacious politicians kept things moving.
“You seem quite dazzled for someone who represents a monarchy.”
“No one political system is ‘correct.’ What matters is how people benefit from it. Who cares if the government is ‘on your side’ if everyone starves to death? Do whatever works.”
“…Never repeat that in public. It’ll be terrible PR.”
“Oh yeah?” Wein replied casually.
Ninym sighed. She was the one who had raised the subject, but Wein’s unorthodox comments kept her on her toes.
“Anyway, the Ulbeth Alliance seemingly has its own plans.”
“…You mean the new unification Agata mentioned?”
Wein was visiting Ulbeth to discuss a deal that Agata, an Alliance representative and Holy Elite, had proposed.
“I plan to take advantage of the Alliance’s demise to unify the cities into one nation. Prince Wein, I am here to ask for your aid—”
The Gathering of the Chosen had been held the previous fall in the old capital of Lushan. Wein had just put an end to a tangled conspiracy and was about to head home when Agata approached him. Coincidentally, Natra’s trade had recently suffered a harsh blow. Wein agreed to Agata’s deal under the condition that Natra and Ulbeth become business partners.
“I wonder what Agata is planning.”
“Good question. He’s already a Holy Elite, and I didn’t get a power-hungry vibe from him… Well, we’ll know soon enough. Look, there it is.” Wein pointed to the window. Ninym looked out beside him, and her eyes widened.
“That’s…”
“I hear it’s their national symbol. The four cities built the wall when the Alliance first came together. It’s called the ‘Rampart of Unity.’”
A single, endless wall stretched across the plain. The structure surrounded all four city-states. It was a worthy symbol of the Alliance, but the amount of labor it must have demanded was unfathomable.
Even so…
Parts of the edifice were cracked and crumbling. Perhaps long years of wind and rain had taken their toll.
Ninym felt like it reflected the present state of the Ulbeth Alliance.
The quartet of cities that made up the Ulbeth Alliance were divided into cardinal directions. Their shared closeness to the edge of the Western continent fostered a common culture between them, but even slight geographic differences gave each settlement a distinct character.
For example, the Great Blue Skies of Roynock, the westernmost of the four cities, enjoyed prosperous maritime trade because it was on the coast. The northern city, the Black Iron of Altie, was named for its many smiths. The southern settlement was blessed with abundant crops and thus was known as the Grand Red Harvest of Facrita.
Finally, the White Willow of Muldu to the east was notable for sitting directly across from western Roynock. In other words, Muldu was the continent’s inland entrance to the western shores. It was the first town beyond the Rampart of Unity, and frequent contact with foreign visitors and cultures made this city’s representative an ideal candidate for speaking on the Ulbeth Alliance’s behalf.
And that person was Agata Willow.
“…It’s almost time,” Agata murmured as he gazed at the town outside his window.
“Did you say something, Master Agata?” his assistant asked. The man’s head was cocked to one side.
“Why, I was just thinking everything will soon be blanketed in white.”
“Indeed. Snow piles up quickly, thanks to the early sunset.”
“The winter air brings many aches to these old bones. I already long for spring.”
Judging by the overcast clouds, the precipitation could begin at any moment. There was a world of difference between the room temperature and the chill beyond the walls.
“Our upcoming events must proceed smoothly if we wish to welcome spring, correct?”
“Hmph, indeed. I trust preparations for the Signing Ceremony are going well?”
The aide nodded. “Everything is almost ready.”
“Good. The event cannot afford any missteps.”
“I’ve also just received word that Prince Wein’s delegation has passed the Rampart of Unity.”
“Then they are in Muldu and should be arriving shortly. Kamil, prepare to greet them.”
“Yes, sir.”
The aide bowed respectfully, and Agata gave him a sidelong glance before returning his attention to the window.
Yes, it’s almost time. Prince Wein’s arrival will signal the demise of the Ulbeth Alliance…
With dark, secret resolve, Agata eagerly awaited his visitors.
“Hey, those handicrafts are neat.”
“I agree. That stall over there is also lined with masks. Maybe they’re talismans of some kind?”
“Pretty creepy if you ask me… There’s no guessing what culture invented those.”
Shortly after passing the Rampart of Unity, Wein’s delegation arrived in the eastern city of Muldu. Both the prince and Ninym offered their opinions on the local decoration as they rode by in the carriage.
“Regardless, the gateway to the Alliance is as lively as you’d expect.”
As Wein said, a bustling crowd was milling around Muldu’s entrance. Citizens, merchants, pilgrims, and more came together to paint a prosperous image.
“That’s also why the carriage is now stuck in traffic.”
“We can get a good look at the town, so it all works out.”
“Fair enough. I’ve noticed most of the clothes and buildings are white. Is it a symbolic color?”
Wein nodded.
The White Willow of Muldu. True to its moniker, the city was enveloped in an alabaster shade. A heavy snowstorm would erase all other colors.
“The Ulbeth Alliance’s unique cultures and customs are apparent from the second you set foot on its lands,” Wein stated with evident interest. “Still, it doesn’t feel that bizarre.”
“I agree. Most of the architecture is typical of the West.”
The Ulbeth Alliance had been born from fear of foreign pressure, and Sirgis said the nation was peculiar.
Thus, Wein and Ninym had mentally prepared for the view of a lifetime. Yet it seemed their anticipation was for naught.
“Well, a boring trip is fine by me.”
“Wein, you spark trouble with the tiniest ember.”
“You seem confused, so let me clarify. I am a man of peace.”
“Such claims don’t match your track record.”
“That’s because, while I love peace, it doesn’t necessarily reciprocate.”
“Keep talking like that, and you’ll be trapped in a one-sided relationship.”
Wein laughed. “You’re probably right.”
Ninym sighed and peered out the window again. Then she realized something abruptly. “…Wein,” she said, her eyes narrowing.
“Yeah, I know,” the prince replied, nodding slightly. “The mood changes the closer we get to the center of town.”
The carriage had crossed the business district while they were talking and was approaching the administrative sector at the heart of Muldu.
Agata’s mansion was ahead, so they were on the right path. However, unlike the cheery passersby in the business district, the atmosphere here was weighty and biting.
“Are outsiders only welcome as far as the main road?” Ninym inquired, her vigilance rising.
The eyes of those staring at the foreign delegation’s carriage weren’t just curious. They also brimmed with gloomy mistrust and doubt.
Wein flashed Ninym an arrogant smile. “Using foreigners instead of banning ’em outright, huh? Nice. The Ulbeth Alliance is savvier than I thought.”
“Don’t forget you said you wanted a boring trip.”
“Oh, I definitely do. But still—”
The carriage stopped in front of a white mansion with a willow emblem engraved into the wall. This was the home of Agata, the East Representative of the Ulbeth Empire.
“We should assume there’s already a fire burning beneath us.”
Wein and Ninym alighted from the carriage together. A strapping young man greeted them.
“I’ve been expecting you, Prince Wein.”
He was slightly older than Wein, and his black outfit popped against the white façade of the manor. With a respectful bow, he said, “My name is Kamil. I serve Master Agata. Please, right this way. I shall bring you to him.”
Kamil ushered Wein inside, with Ninym and the delegation guards in tow. The interior was clean and organized—likely a reflection of Agata himself. The artwork on display clearly shared the same roots as the street handicrafts, but a single glance made it apparent these were far more refined.
“Is this Sir Agata’s collection?”
“Yes. More specifically, it has been curated by Master Agata and previous generations of the Willow family.”
“I see. I’m not too familiar with artwork from this region, but the Willow family has an eye for beauty.”
“Your intuition is quite sharp. Indeed, each is a priceless hand-picked piece. That tapestry was dyed with a technique that has since been lost.”
Wein gathered intel as he chatted with Kamil.
Meanwhile, the prince’s guards remained understandably cautious. After all, this was the stronghold of a foreign leader.
Carelessness was impermissible. Ninym, who was hiding in the back, felt the same way.
I should confirm the number of the guards and their positions. We also need an escape plan.
After recounting their endless troubles since Wein’s rise to the position of regent, Ninym felt one could never be too wary. As the prince had said, there was a good chance the fire had already been lit.
Agata is our first option…but would Kamil also make a decent hostage?
It was a disturbing thought to entertain, but Ninym wanted multiple safeguards, just in case. Kamil was a refined man who had been entrusted with Wein’s arrival. There was no doubt Agata valued him. However…
Just then, Kamil turned around.
Agh!
Ninym quickly ducked her head and looked away. She must have been staring too much. Luckily, Kamil said nothing and returned to his conversation with Wein. Ninym relaxed a bit but lightly fidgeted with a lock of her hair.
He didn’t notice…right?
Ninym had dyed it black to mask her Flahm identity, but there was no concealing her red eyes. She could be exposed if she wasn’t careful, and Ninym wanted to avoid unnecessary trouble.
Especially since, from what we’ve seen, Ulbeth isn’t too fond of foreigners.
Keeping a close eye on her surroundings was paramount. Ninym’s thoughts were interrupted when the party arrived at a large door.
“Master Agata, I’ve brought Prince Wein.”
“Enter.”
Kamil opened the door to a reception room, where an older man sat patiently. It was Agata Willow, a Holy Elite and representative of the White Willow of Muldu.
“It’s been a while, Prince Wein.”
“I’m glad to see you looking well, Sir Agata.”
Agata was old enough to be Wein’s grandfather. Nonetheless, both wore the same kind of smile.
They both look like a fighter paired against a worthy opponent, Ninym mused.
“Did the snow trouble you on the way here?”
“No, we were fortunate enough to arrive before it piled up. I can’t say what the journey home will be like, however.”
Discussion between the representatives of the Natra Kingdom and Ulbeth Alliance began amicably.
“If it proves bothersome, you can cross the sea to Soljest.”
“I’m afraid I don’t do well on boats. I’m hoping we have a mild winter.”
Both men were high-ranking, but because of the age gap, the elder Agata maintained a composed air, and Wein showed due respect.
It’s all an act, though.
All present in the room, Ninym included, sensed this. Buried beneath this congenial atmosphere were two hidden, snarling beasts.
“Ho-ho. So even Prince Wein has a weakness? After your impressive display at the last Gathering of the Chosen, I find that hard to believe.”
“Was it so astounding? I simply nudged matters in the direction they were already headed.”
“That little push has left a great impact on numerous countries,” Agata responded with a slight grin. “The Kingdom of Valencia criticized Levetia for Prince Tigris’s death during the Gathering of the Chosen, and their relationship is at a historic low. Steel of the Vanhelio Kingdom received severe internal backlash for mobilizing an army almost entirely on his own. And just as the Falcasso Kingdom predicted a famine, Eastern Levetia distributed free food. I hear that support for their royal family is wavering.”
Naturally, these developments were creating problems for Wein as well. A mess like the Gathering of the Chosen wasn’t easily cleaned up.
“I hear the threat of starvation looms over not just Falcasso but other Western nations as well. Fortunately, Natra has nothing to worry about. But goodness, this winter will be hard on everyone.” Wein gave a brazen smile. “Hopefully, leaders will be able to handle any foreign interlopers that might crop up during this difficult period.”
“…”
Agata suddenly raised one hand. His guards and Kamil departed the room at once.
Ninym and the Natran guards turned to Wein for instruction. He gave a curt nod, prompting them to leave as well.
Now Wein and Agata were the only ones left.
“Well then, shall we get started?” Agata said solemnly.
After Ninym and the guards had exited, Kamil led them to an antechamber for servants. Of course, one of Wein’s guards stood in front of the reception door as a precaution. Ninym would have done the job herself but prioritized blending in.
I hope the meeting goes well…
What deal could those two be making? Nothing good, no doubt. Still, she hoped it would at least end amicably.
As her mind raced with speculation, a voice called out to her.
“Might I ask your name?”
It was Kamil.
For a second, Ninym glanced around the room to check if he was speaking to another. When she saw him look straight at her, she hesitantly replied, “…It’s Ninym. Ninym Ralei.”
Kamil gave a small nod. “Ah, I thought so.”
“Thought what?”
“I heard rumors that Prince Wein is accompanied by a skilled aide named Ninym.”
It was foolishly optimistic to assume Kamil knew only her name by this point. Even cursory research would reveal the Natran royal family kept Flahm retainers.
“…With all due respect, you should keep your distance from me.”
The uninformed might consider such a rebuke impolite. Kamil smiled, however.
“I believe a person’s true worth is determined not by birth but by life choices.”
“That is a fine sentiment. However, I doubt everyone will agree with your ideology.”
“Chasing approval will only lead to a dry fountain.”
“Yet, as one suffering from thirst, they have my sympathy.”
“In that case, as one who is well nourished, I choose to share my bounty.”
“……”
Ninym sighed. This gentle-looking but ridiculously stubborn man wasn’t going to back down. Kamil’s good intentions were problematic. She could have shaken him off had he been hostile. This was a more vexing predicament.
“I shall address you as ‘Sir Kamil.’”
Ninym extended a hand in resignation. The young man happily took it.
“Just ‘Kamil’ is fine.”
“I have no title, so please forgive me for adhering to formality.”
“In that case, I will call you ‘Lady Ninym.’ As fellow aides, there is something I thought we’d best discuss.”
“…Very well.”
Ninym had planned to stay inconspicuous, and this was an unexpected twist. Regardless, the situation was out of her hands now. Thinking the conversation might prove informative, Ninym elected to indulge Kamil until Wein’s return.
“Do you know about Ulbeth’s upcoming Signing Ceremony?”
Wein gave a small nod. “I heard it’s a conference held once every ten years. The city representatives discuss different topics, including the pros and cons of the Alliance itself.”
“Correct. During the Signing Ceremony, each city can also choose to withdraw. Equality is a founding principle of our nation.”
“But no one actually goes through with it, right?” Wein questioned.
“From what I understand, the four cities’ industries and economies are tightly interwoven. If one secedes, it’ll either go bankrupt or be invaded by the other three.”
Because of this, the Signing Ceremony had long since become an opportunity for each city to show off. Wein had been told that most citizens saw it as the party of the decade rather than a meaningful event that decided their futures.
“You’re right,” Agata agreed. “However, times have changed recently.”
“Oh…?”
The Holy Elite grew visibly uneasy, and Wein’s eyes sparkled with interest.
“Prince, what do you think is needed to maintain a union?”
“Equality,” Wein replied without a second thought. “Alliances can form when both sides share a common enemy, but maintaining that bond is a different story. When there’s a power gap, the strain grows over time.”
Agata nodded gravely. “That is the issue the Ulbeth Alliance currently faces.”
“What do you mean?”
“The eastern city of Muldu has ever been a gateway to the rest of the country. Whether incoming or outgoing, we handled almost everything. This gave Muldu value despite having no defined industry. However, in the past several decades, Roynock has increased their flow of goods and people thanks to improved shipbuilding techniques and established sea routes,” Agata explained. “The fertile lands of Facrita to the south are similar. Because of recent agricultural advancements, their harvests have grown tenfold. Moreover, they largely export through Roynock.”
“I see,” Wein answered in understanding.
The south could harvest more. The west could export more. The two cities were undoubtedly growing close. Moreover, since time immemorial, the wealthiest regions have always made the best trade partners. And that growing profit was enough to shift the Alliance’s power dynamics.
“Is it safe to say that Roynock and Facrita plan to unite as a separate entity, then?”
“That’s likely their end game, but it can’t happen all at once. Roynock and Facrita will work in stages by, for example, driving me out and appointing their own yes-man as the East Representative.”
“So even one of your position isn’t set for life?”
“Correct. Although representatives hold great power, we must have the support of various leaders. Losing that endorsement means forfeiting our position. Muldu representatives even inherit the title of Holy Elite.”
Agata was a Holy Elite because he was the public face of the Ulbeth Alliance. He’d have to give up both roles to his successor if he ceased acting as East Representative.
“…If I were leading Muldu, I’d try to win over Altie.”
The eastern city desperately wanted to interrupt Facrita and Roynock’s love affair. However, since that wasn’t in the cards, they would have to devise a Plan B. This meant teaming up with the northern city to balance out the Alliance.
Agata quickly shot down Wein’s proposal, though.
“That’s impossible. Altie has a poor relationship with Muldu… No, with the entire Ulbeth Alliance.”
“Really? Why?”
“Twenty years ago, the North Representative colluded with another nation. He and his entire family were executed. The other three cities used this opportunity to make representative succession hereditary. This meant that Altie was unable to choose anyone new since their last representative’s bloodline had run dry.”
“Well…that’s certainly something.”
A body of delegates ran the Ulbeth Alliance. It was also stipulated that no city could participate in the conference without one.
“So basically, the other three cities oppressed the northern one for their benefit.”
Altie citizens could only watch as disadvantages were heaped upon them because they lacked the necessary official. It was unsurprising that they grew resentful and yearned to secede.
“The northern city will be thoroughly crushed if they withdraw, so they’ve had no recourse but to bottle up their discontent. Ha-ha. They must really hate your guts. Still, you’ve only got yourself to blame,” Wein observed casually.
“If you’ll let me clarify—”
“What? Are you going to say you didn’t expect the south and the west to take the lead or something? You’re better than that, Agata.”
“…Yes, I misspoke. Disregard my comment.”
Wein gave a slight shrug. “Anyway,” he continued, “I get what’s happening now. The west and the south took control, Altie is furious, and you’re being driven into a corner. Forget foreign threats. The internal pressure alone is lethal.”
“That’s why I’ve invited you here, Prince Wein.”
Agata’s tone was noticeably mild. “I will use this as a golden opportunity to unite Ulbeth under Muldu. The first step is to create a rift between the west and the south. To do that, I’d like to borrow your rare intellect.”
Agata bowed to the prince, who was less than half his age. Although there were no witnesses, national leaders seldom went to such lengths. Most recipients would feel more apologetic than awestruck.
Wein, of course, wasn’t moved by this display.
“…Driving a wedge between the south and the west makes sense. They’re problematic as a team, but Roynock and Facrita might turn on each other if both expect their own city to lead the new union. That discord could give you an opening. Still, I’m an outsider. What can I do?”
Wein was a foreign visitor in every aspect. He’d brought more than enough personnel, supplies, and money for one person, but he couldn’t take on an entire country.
“The West Representative will be hosting a banquet soon, and I expect the South Representative will attend as well. I’ve added your name to the guest list, so meet them and get a sense of their characters.”
“And after that?”
“I’ll share my plan once you return. I think you’ll appreciate it.”
“…”
Wein fell silent for a moment and stared at Agata. His fiery gaze seemed to pierce the Holy Elite straight through. Agata felt as if his stomach were being wrenched open. The prince’s steadfast eyes were a veritable destructive force.
However, Agata was no pushover either. Refusing to be taken for a greenhorn, he calmly stared back.
“…Okay,” Wein answered finally. “If you promise to honor our trade deal, I guess I can cooperate.”
“Of course. I guarantee you’ll reap great rewards.”
“It’s decided, then.”
Wein and Agata shook hands, forming a secret pact between the two great rivals.
Then—
“Yep, I’m gonna backstab Agata.”
“What?”
Once the two were back in the carriage, Wein revealed his intentions to Ninym and her eyes went wide.
As several political schemes gripped the Ulbeth Alliance, an outsider arrived. Wein would rise to the stage, and the land would descend into chaos.
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